Now this is a cool concept. Let's back up. I meet a couple of friends on Sunday mornings at coffee…read moreshops and cafes. No chains, just stand alone locations. Each place has a theme, or a charm all its own and Grind N Gears Cafe is one of the latter. When you pull up you immediately recognize the place as a former body shop or service station. Not a as station, but a body shop. They have their own small parking lot in front with special motorcycle parking on the sides of the lot. It's a small place. When you walk inside there is a runner leading up to the counter with their case of delicious looking eats and a platform above with an old Indian motorcycle perched looking over the place. To the right of the counter are some toys for the kids, including a kids motorcycle and other funs toys to keep the kiddos busy while their parents enjoy a magically concocted coffee drink by the shops artisans. There are comfy little sitting areas composed of oversized furniture from your parents basement. The front has a few racks of leather jackets that feels like your at The Alley's northern location. They do have some hats and apparel for their own shop and I almost bought a hat. On the left side, they have another seating area, but it looks more like a table in a cozy kitchen than a sitting room. It's quaint no matter where you look or sit. Lastly, their drinks and food are quite good. With all the stand alone coffee places popping up, Grinds N Gears is one of the cooler places and I don't mean hipster.

What a fun themed coffee shop! From a motor shop to a coffee shop, there's fun for all. The parking…read morelot is a bit small so it becomes a hindrance when it's busy. But once you get inside it's so much fun. With a variety of drinks from coffee to teas and boba there's really something for any mood. They also have baked good from local bakeries. The staff is also super friendly and knowledgeable when it comes to drinks. All in all, a great experience and we can't wait to come back soon and try other drinks.

Great bakery A++++ highly recommended!…read more Locate at Niles very good bread and bakery story would not want to miss it A++++++

I was excited to have an 85°C in the Chicagoland area unfortunately it does not live up to its CA…read morelocations that I have tried and loved... It's funny bc when my family in CA took us to one-it was like 8pm and there was soo much to choose from... Here, it seems no matter what time you come- there are only a few items for sale... they claim they run out but based on the reviews, it seems they just dont stock well.. the drinks are also EXTREMELY sweet.

From the moment I walked in, I knew this place was special. The atmosphere was warm and…read moreinviting--perfect for a girls' brunch, a coffee date, or a slow morning to yourself. The lattes were exceptional; I tried both the hot and iced caramel and loved every sip. The food was equally impressive. The Dubai Chocolate Crêpe with pistachios was light and delicate while still feeling incredibly indulgent. The avocado toast with pickled onions was packed with flavor, and adding a balsamic drizzle made it absolutely unforgettable. After spending three weeks in Chicago and visiting more coffee shops than I can count, this was easily my favorite. In fact, it was the only café that impressed me enough to come back a second time--and I'd gladly return again.

I loved it! I was on my way to O'Hare and stopped by. The latte and greek yogurt was delicious not…read moreto mention presentation was on point. The ladies on staff were all super dope to. I used to live in Chicago over a decade ago and places like this really makes me want to move back.

I would give Matari 4.5 out of 5 stars, so I'm rounding to 5 based on service and ambiance! I heard…read moreabout their fruit mousse cakes online, so we knew we had to stop by to check it out. The cafe is immaculate and service was very friendly. The person who took our order was patient as he explained the different pastries in the case. I wish they had signs explaining what each pastry was so I could have decided while waiting in line. We ended up sharing an iced pistachio latte (delicious and 10/10!), the pistachio cheesecake (10/10!), and the strawberry mousse cake (7/10 - a subtle sweetness, great texture, but needed more cake or crust inside as it was mostly whipped cream and the shell). The mousse cake was $12.00, which felt steep considering it was mostly whipped cream, even though it was obviously beautiful. We would definitely come back for the coffee and to try more menu items! Check this place out!

I wanted to like it. I did. But after a few visits, it's just not for me…read more The first trip, I tried the Matari Tea: Green tea, Himalayan pink salt, milk, and spices, topped with roasted pistachios. Sounds good, right? Alas, it could not have been blander. I couldn't taste any "spices" or even the hint of salt. The profile was that of very watered-down tea mixed with milk, and a ton of pistachios floating on top. Like, barely crushed pistachios. Huge pieces, covering the top of the drink, bobbed around like tiny icebergs, and even they somehow had a toned-down flavor. The drink was definitely a swing and a miss. Fast forward two weeks, and I tried Matari again. This time with a simple cortado. I sat at the table right by the door, and the espresso was pretty good. Solid body, not too bitter. It was on the pricy side ($7+), but I was ok with that. But then, I'm hanging out, sipping my coffee, and I catch a burst of perfume-like scent. I'm shocked, but whatever, I figured someone in heavy perfume walked by, no big deal. A few minutes later, wham, I'm hit in the nose with another burst of perfume. Then, I see it. A slight haze around me. So, not a heavily perfumed woman after all, but an automated air-freshener. After further inspection, I see the unit plugged in on the ground right behind my chair, which sprays up and out on a timer. That's right, an air freshener right next to a table where people consume food and beverages, shooting a mist into the air that slowly rains down onto my head and table, and into my coffee. I ended up tossing the last few sips of my cortado, as I could taste the scented whatever-it-was in my cup. I'd have gone to the counter and asked for a new one, but I was so over my visit by then, I just opted to get out. The staff aren't very friendly. Not rude, but they don't give off a welcoming aura, and I didn't feel like trying to explain the issue. Lastly, can we talk about their little "your order is up" beepers? We've all seen them. The little electronic things that blink and make a noise when your order is ready, so you can go snag it from the counter. When I think of a coffee shop, I think quiet and peaceful, or perhaps a bit louder, with bustling people and well-paired music. At Matari, it's an insane BEEP BEEP BEEP that goes off every few minutes when an order is up. I get it, you don't want to bring the food out to your customers. But does it really need to feel like an airport Chili's? It's a bummer, because Matari is beautiful inside. It's clean, it's chic, and its location is at a notable crossroads in Skokie with plenty of parking, leaving it extremely convenient. They've even got an easy-to-use website, which so many coffee shops simply do not have. There aren't a lot of coffee shops in this particular part of town, which is why I so, so very much wanted to love Matari. But subpar drinks? Air freshener spray intrusions? Frequent and obnoxious beeping? I tried. I'm sorry. I just can't.

Delicious treats for any pistachio fan! My husband and I really enjoyed both things we got and it's…read morereally nice inside very fancy!

Dripping in chocolate and good company Sweet endings done…read moreright at Pistachio Café in Morton Grove My friend and I stopped in for a post-dinner treat and it did not disappoint! We shared waffle sticks -- one loaded with Kinder Bueno and the other drenched in Nutella -- both absolutely dripping in chocolatey goodness. Paired with almond milk cappuccinos that were smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it was the ultimate cozy combo. We wished we had the stomach to try more from their menu, but honestly, this duo hit the spot and then some. The perfect way to wrap up the night, it was sweet, rich, and totally worth every bite.

Nice bright chill coffee shop with nice selection of pastries and gelato ice cream. Good service…read morehere with relaxed vibe. Can come and sit a while and read if you'd like. My latte was excellent. Will be back.

Cafe 44 is a cafe that in the Morton Grove 'hood, offering various cold and hot drinks and…read morepastries. We came here for a caffeine fix, ordering the following: +Turkish Coffee +Latte with almond milk +a Pistachio Latte +and, a Spanish Latte We also tried their mini bird's nests, a few filled with chocolate, and another few filled with pistachio - these were actually pretty tasty! Unfortunately, the coffee was not brewed well and was extremely weak; they looked aesthetically pleasing, though, with the latte art and/or the toppings. Staff were friendly; once you order, your items will be ready for you on the side counter. The space is bright, and they have a handful of seating inside - the place is popular, so you may have to wait a few for a table. Street parking is available off of Waukegan. +weak coffee +stick with the mini bird's nests +street parking available

I just recently discovered this place. I work in Lincolnwood. It has a great ambiance to talk with…read morefriends, co-workers, or just chill by yourself and sip on coffee. More than enough seating and outlets to do work. My go-to drink is the iced café latte with whole milk. The coffee quality is far superior to Starbucks. Also, I love the gauva empanada with cream cheese! Also its good to know you are supporting a local business. Happy to know 5% of their proceeds go to charity. Overall highly recommend!

Such a warm and cozy cafe. Grab something to go or stay awhile, this place is IT. They have…read morecoffees, teas, and specialty lattes. I went with an iced peppermint tea and it was very refreshing. I also tried the guava and cream cheese pastry and my goodness this was insanely delicious. The pastry dough is crispy, flakey and fluffy. The guava jam and cream cheese was sweet and not overly sweet. I stopped in on a weekend morning and throughout my time here there was a constant flow of customers coming and going. Staff members were able to keep up with the influx of weekend customers. Within 5 minutes of placing my order my items were ready to be picked up at the front counter.

This was my second time here! I got the iced banana cream latte w/ oat milk for the second time! I…read moream usually not one to get sweet drinks but I am obsessed with this drink. It's sweet, but not too sweet. The large iced latte is also great, it has 3 shots of espresso which makes the ratios perfect. My boyfriend and I also got the Bacon egg and cheese, sausage egg and cheese, and the Korean chicken cheesesteak sandwich! Also super yummy. Cant wait to check out the other new location in Park Ridge! The vibe and aesthetic are also so cute in here! Love the simple design! It is located inside the train station, so while it was busy both times I went I received my food and drinks super fast! I am super picky with where I spend my money on coffee/matcha, but this is one of the few places in the area worth it!!

The drinks here are really a delicious suck I got the ube…read morelatte which is really thick so if you like your drinks more watery or thinner this might not be for you. It does have condensed milk in it. But the flavor of the new base is so rich so delicious it's not over sweet I definitely would come back if I was ever in Chicago again. My friend also got a drink I want to say she got the banana flavor I could be wrong but more than once she looked at me and said I chose the right coffee shop